Maria Melo of Falmouth has joined Homecare Choices as a Care Manager and member of the leadership team to kick off the New Year.
Maria has a passion for the mission of Homecare Choices and has dedicated herself to bringing hope and joy to seniors. She will be coordinating the care plans and staffing schedules for clients in the Falmouth and Mashpee areas.
“I love providing care, and taking care of elders in every way. I just love it,” says Maria, a native of the Azores islands, a region of Portugal.
“I’ve always wanted to take care of people,” she says, describing how she connected with Peter Carey, Executive Director of Homecare Choices, and worked as a Homecare Choices caregiver in the past, while also advancing her career at some of the Cape’s most respected assisted living facilities.
“I was just given opportunities to grow,” says Maria, who has been qualified as a personal care assistant and a geriatric nursing assistant, as well as taking courses in healthcare and medical terminology, and medical laws and ethics.
“Those experiences and certifications helped me understand different aspects of the care and issues that impact our clients,” she says.
Maria worked as an activities coordinator in a care setting, where she drew praise for her enthusiasm and positive attitude. She has also been a wellness coordinator in a busy facility before joining Homecare Choices fulltime.
“Maria is a trusted friend of Homecare Choices,” says Peter Carey. “We have been looking for another strong team leader and we had a long list of must-have skills and qualities. Maria checks every category on that list.”
“I’ve always been hands-on with care,” Maria says. “Even as a care manager, I believe you need to stay involved with the caregiving and set a high standard. It’s very rewarding. Just the fact that I can bring a smile to someone’s face and show them that we truly care about them. That’s what it’s all about.”
The personal support that caregivers provide is especially important during the COVID pandemic, Maria says, pointing out that “some clients don’t see their families very often, and we become like family at some point.”
Maria and her husband have two young sons. Her work is an expression of love for the community and a way of helping to make the Cape a great place to live. Maria grew up in a big family and her siblings and parents remain in the Azores but visit her on Cape Cod.
“Every part of your journey is worth it,” she says of her path from the Azores to Cape Cod and a career in senior care. “This is why I am who I am. I do appreciate every step.”
Maria Melo may be reached by email at mariamelo@homecarechoices.com.